EandC, from what I've read, there is an Alternative IP plan that some with special dietary needs (diabetics?) follow throughout their clinics/coaches. Then there are those that use alternative products to follow the IP protocol. I don't know anything about the Alternative plan, but many on this forum have seen great success (& achieve ketosis) using alternative products.

Hope this helps! I'm sure someone with more experience than me can add additional details.

Hey all. Started yesterday. Have been maintaining over a year with a week or two here and there for shaving off the unwanted lbs. Anyways, since October things have been hectic for me on a number of different levels and while I didn't go on a binge, I was not on the scale and monitoring like I need to maintain. If I had to guess, I would say I have packed on 10lbs.
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This happened to me, too. But more than 10! Now I'm back. But the first week I lost 5, so I am happy to be back.

This happened to me, too. But more than 10! Now I'm back. But the first week I lost 5, so I am happy to be back.

I really feel like the scale helps keep me sooo accountable. I was very diligent about weighing everyday/every other day and when I took a hiatus, I noticed I allowed myself to indulge more than I would have. damn thing anyways.

I have day one under my belt. I am so looking forward to my first weigh in already. My clinic recommends drinking water with some chlorophyll added to it and that really takes care of that nasty taste in your mouth when your body goes into ketosis. Not that I am in ketosis as of yet, but I have been there before and I remember the metalic taste in the mouth that I had all the time. I wonder if anybody else is drinking chlorophyll water?

I too have been heavy most of my life. It isn't that I dislike healthy food, it's just so much easier to eat the crap. So maybe I am essentially more lazy than heavy"

This about sums it up for me, too! I realized that I needed to change when I noticed that my 7 year old was developing my horrid eating behaviors. (She actually was putting a crouton on a saltine and starting to top it with ranch!)

Now both my girls are mimicking my healthy eating habits and they love it!!!

Even hubs is enjoying all of the creatively cooked meals that I have discovered thanks to these awesome posts and me feeling more confident in the kitchen!

I just started today too. One shake down and feeling great so far. I took a picture of myself and also did a quick video to tell myself how sick I am of being unhealthy and overweight. Gave myself a pep talk to get me through hard times. We'll see how that works.

Welcome to 3FC Chelle! You will never regret starting this journey. The support on this site has been invaluable. Ask lots of questions and read, read, read.

Hi - I started IP on Friday, January 17th. Second and third days were the weirdest, just as the program indicates, but when Monday came...i felt pretty good.

So far I have lost 13lbs and a total of 13 inches. Week 1: 6 lbs, Week 2: 4.5lbs, Week 3: 2.5 lbs.

The program is working really good for me. I am learning how to cook and eat much much much better and as long as i have a few different IP options to chose from each day, I don't seem to miss any other foods, get hungry often or feel blah. I was juicing for a while before starting IP, so I do kind of miss making a nice juice, but I am sure I can phase the right juice options in, maybe phase III or IV.

I am really exciting about IP - first program I have found that I actually LIKE and it works pretty easy for me. My goal is to lose 40-50 lbs.

Had my 2nd WI today. Lost 3.2 lbs since last Monday. I am happy but feel ridiculous to admit I am also disappointed. It is crazy really, considering I have lost 10.5 lbs since January 25th. I think it is because I lost so much in week 1, that this is a letdown. I know that most women lose a little over 2 per week, but I guess I am just impatient to lose what took me a few years to put on. My brain recognizes realistic expectations, but my heartand my mirror don't......right?

Okay, pity party is over since 3.2 lbs IS an achievement and I have definitely lost inches. Mostly in chest and waist, but none in arms and hips. I can definitely see it in my face too.

I have been very disciplined, with no cheats. My problem has been incorporating the sea salt and eating the fourth IP meal. I have had three days that I didn't do the fourth, and one day that I only got two in. I am trying to be diligent and yesterday began adding my salt to my shakes or pudding. I rarely add salt to anything, so oddly enough that is my main challenge.

I appreciate the support of everyone here and take a lot of heart from others' stories and successes. Let the transformation continue.